Chapter 39: Called by the Alpha

The palace's heavy doors creaked open and let in Alpha Lleus as he strode inside, commanding attention without ever having to say a word. His tall frame carried authority, the sharp, bright blue of his eyes scanning the great hall as if searching out the cause of the quietness. The servants whispered nervously among themselves, their eyes darting away from the steel within the Alpha's glare. News of the fight between his wife, Rieka, and Ariadne had spread like wildfire, and the Alpha was anything but amused. Fighting in the palace was prohibited, but what irritated him more was that Rieka had done it so openly, disregarding the sanctity of his domain. "Where is Lady Rieka?" he barked, his voice cutting through murmurs like a blade. The slight figure of a young serving wench shyly came forward and bowed. "My lord, she's gone to her quarters." "Send word immediately," the voice of Lleus ordered, which broached no disobedience. "Tell her to come straight to my chambers." The servant curtsied quickly and scurried away, her footsteps echoing against the polished marble floors. Lleus inhaled deeply, his hands clasped tightly behind his back as he ascended the staircase to his private quarters. His emotions were a tempest beneath his composed exterior—anger, disappointment, and, buried deep, a flicker of curiosity as to what could have driven Rieka to such actions. --- She was lying on a plush divan in her chambers, swirling a goblet of red wine in her hand as the servant girl relayed Lleus's message. Her lips curved into a sly smile as she nodded the girl away. "So, he's back," Rieka murmured, setting the goblet aside. She had been expecting him and was experiencing a thrill of satisfaction that this confrontation was finally upon her. She called for her maids, who came promptly, their arms laden with silks and satins. "Prepare me," Rieka instructed, her voice calm yet tinged with anticipation. "Are you certain, my lady?" one of the maids asked hesitantly. "Quite certain," Rieka replied. "If I am to face my husband's wrath, I may as well remind him of what he stands to lose." The maids exchanged glances but obeyed without further question. They selected a figure-hugging gown of deep crimson, its fabric shimmering like molten fire. The neckline dipped daringly low, and the slit up the side promised to reveal more than modesty would usually allow. Rieka stood before the mirror as they worked, her reflection a vision of calculated allure. Her golden hair was swept up into an elegant chignon, with a few loose strands framing her sharp features. Her lips were painted the same deep red as her gown, and her emerald eyes gleamed with determination. "Perfect," she declared once they had finished. "But, milady," one of the maids ventured cautiously, "will not the Alpha be angrier if he sees you thus?" Rieka chuckled, a low throaty sound that ran shivers across the room. "Oh, I have no doubt he'll be angry. But anger is a fire, and I know just how to fan it into something far more useful." She threw a long, fur-lined coat over her shoulders, the luxurious garment hiding the provocative dress beneath. With one last glance at her reflection, she turned and strode toward the door. "Wish me luck," she said over her shoulder, though her tone suggested she didn't believe she needed it. --- The corridors that led to Lleus's quarters were still, except for the soft crackling of torches set into the walls. Rieka walked with purpose, the soft click of her heels echoing off stone. Servants she passed averted their eyes, bowing deeply, though she caught a few stolen glances of curiosity and fear. She sped toward the door, her mind racing. She could almost hear Lleus now, scolding-arguing, even raging-but she didn't care about that. This meeting was an opportunity, a stage on which she could act out the next part in the drama she had contrived. The guards outside his door opened it for her without a word, their faces blank. Rieka stepped inside, her coat swishing around her ankles as she entered the Alpha's domain. Lleus stood by the window, his back to her, the moonlight casting his silhouette in sharp relief. He turned slowly at the sound of her entrance, his expression unreadable. "You called for me, my lord," Rieka said, her tone smooth and unhurried. She stepped further into the room, allowing the door to close behind her with a soft thud. Lleus's piercing gaze swept over her, taking in her composed demeanor and the luxurious coat that obscured her figure. "Do you have any idea of the chaos you've caused?" he began, his tone low but simmering with anger. "I suppose you're talking about Ariadne," Rieka returned, unruffled. "Do not play coy with me," Lleus snapped, his eyes flashing. "You fought her in my palace. Publicly. Do you understand what that means?" "I understand that I defended myself against her accusations," Rieka retorted, her smooth mask beginning to slip. "Should I have let her insult me? Humiliate me in front of the servants?" "You might have done otherwise," Lleus snapped, advancing on her. "You are my wife, Rieka. What you do reflects upon me, upon the whole kingdom." "And what did she did?" Rieka returned, her voice escalating. "She should not be punished just because she didn't raise her hands? Words cut as deep as blades do, Lleus-and I won't let anyone use them against me." Lleus stared at her for a long moment, his jaw tightening. "This isn't about Ariadne. This is about you knowing your place, about maintaining order and decorum." Rieka smirked, "And what, pray tell, is my place, my lord? To sit quietly, to smile and nod while others tear me down? I think not." Lleus inhaled sharply, but before he could reply, he was wondering why Rieka would be so stubborn but yet her looks do speak of her stubbornness. 'You're really impossible, Reika". He retired to his bed chambers leaving her in the middle of the room.